Syncope alias fainting is a very common thing in society. Syncope is often considered mild because it is only temporary and does not have a major impact on the sufferer. In fact, that's not always the case.
Syncope is the medical term for fainting. Usually, fainting is associated with a lack of blood flow to the brain. This condition can occur in healthy people, but can also occur because of an illness.
The condition that most often causes syncope is blood pressure that is too low (hypotension), so that the heart does not pump enough oxygen to the brain.
Common Causes of Syncope You Need to Know
There are a variety of causes for syncope, ranging from certain medical conditions to environmental factors. Syncope can also result from an emotional reaction to a very difficult situation. In addition, syncope can also be caused by severe illness, low blood sugar levels, decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or changes in blood counts.
Common causes of syncope include:
- Low blood pressure or dilated blood vessels
- Irregular heartbeat
- Accumulation of blood in the legs due to standing too long and sudden changes in position, such as standing up too quickly.
- Hypoglycemia
- Pregnancy
- Dehydration, for example due to excessive sweating
- Nervous disease. like a stroke
- Pain or pain
- Extreme fear.
- Heavy stress
- Fatigue
Syncope can also be caused by certain medications, such as medications to lower blood pressure or blood sugar. In addition, there is also situational syncope, which occurs due to certain situations such as seeing blood, coughing badly, laughing, or swallowing.
Heart-related medical conditions can also cause syncope. Heart diseases that can cause syncope or fainting include heart valve abnormalities, pulmonary hypertension, and heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy).
Common Symptoms of Syncope You Need to Watch Out for
Symptoms that commonly appear when syncope is about to occur include:
- Dizziness and headache
- Nausea and heart palpitations
- Floating feeling
- Changes in vision or blurred vision
- Feeling weak all over
- Weak pulse
- Changes in body temperature that make you suddenly feel hot or cold
- Looks pale
- Vertigo or feeling dizzy
Usually, people with syncope will wake up quickly and get better when they rest. Syncope like this is usually caused by a harmless condition. However, syncope can also be caused by a serious condition and needs to be checked by a doctor. Here are the symptoms:
- Consciousness does not return for more than 2 minutes
- Accompanied by chest pain
- Happens every time you exercise
- Accompanied by palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Accompanied by bedwetting
- There is a family with a similar medical history or sudden death
- Happened more than 1 time
If you experience any of these symptoms and feel like you are about to pass out, stop the activity immediately and then sit down and lie down with your feet higher than your head. This will help blood flow back to the brain and prevent syncope.
Meanwhile, to provide assistance to sufferers of syncope is by sitting or helping to lie down, loosening clothes or anything that might block his breathing. If the person faints again within one to two minutes, call local emergency medical services.
Syncope is generally not a serious condition and does not require special treatment. However, it is recommended that you see a doctor if syncope is accompanied by symptoms that suggest a serious condition.
